Multi-channel feeding device and 3D printer

Abstract

The utility model provides a multi-channel feeding device and a 3D printer, and relates to the technical field of 3D printing, the multi-channel feeding device provided by the utility model comprises a base, a wire feeding frame, a wire feeding driving piece and a channel switching piece; the multiple wire feeding frames are movably connected to the base. The wire feeding driving piece is installed on the base and provided with a plurality of friction parts in one-to-one correspondence with the multiple wire feeding frames. The multiple wire feeding frames are in transmission connection with the channel switching piece, one wire feeding frame is connected with the corresponding friction part, one-by-one supply and conveying of multiple consumables can be achieved, the structure is compact, whether the consumables are used up or not can be detected, manual intervention and consumable replacement are not needed in the printing process, and the printing endurance performance is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of 3D printers, in particular to a multi-channel feeding device and a 3D printer. Background Art

[0002] 3D printers can usually only print monochrome models. If multiple consumables are used for printing, the on / off status of the consumables needs to be controlled separately, which makes the on / off control of the feeding device more complicated, increasing the production cost of the 3D printer. In addition, if the consumables are exhausted during printing, manual supervision and intervention are usually required, otherwise the normal printing of the model will be affected due to the failure to reconnect the printing consumables in time. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of the utility model is to provide a multi-channel feeding device and a 3D printer, so as to realize the supply of multiple consumables one by one and solve the technical problem of the complex control structure of the multi-channel feeding device.

[0004] In a first aspect, the multi-channel feeding device provided by the utility model comprises: a base, a wire feeding frame, a wire feeding drive component and a channel switching component;

[0005] The plurality of wire feeding racks are movably connected to the base respectively;

[0006] The wire feeding drive is installed on the base, and the wire feeding drive has a plurality of friction parts corresponding to the plurality of wire feeding frames one by one;

[0007] The plurality of wire feeding racks are respectively connected in transmission with the channel switching member, and one of the wire feeding racks is engaged with the corresponding friction portion.

[0008] In combination with the first aspect, the utility model provides a first possible implementation of the first aspect, wherein the channel switching member includes: an elastic device, a camshaft and a first driving member;

[0009] The elastic device is connected to the base, and the elastic device has a tendency to keep the wire feed holder engaged with the friction portion;

[0010] The camshaft is transmission-connected to the first driving member, and the camshaft has a plurality of cams corresponding to the plurality of wire feeding racks one by one. The plurality of cams are circumferentially staggered and give way one by one relative to the plurality of wire feeding racks, so that the plurality of wire feeding racks engage with the corresponding friction parts one by one.

[0011] In combination with the first possible implementation of the first aspect, the utility model provides a second possible implementation of the first aspect, wherein the elastic device includes: a substrate and a plurality of springs;

[0012] The substrate is connected to the base, and a plurality of the springs are respectively connected to the substrate, and the plurality of springs are correspondingly connected to a plurality of the wire feeding frames one by one.

[0013] Combined with the first aspect, the present invention provides a third possible implementation manner of the first aspect, wherein the wire feeding frame has a groove portion communicating with the consumable channel;

[0014] In a state where the friction portion is engaged with the wire feeding frame, the friction portion contacts the consumable in the consumable channel through the groove portion.

[0015] Combined with the first aspect, the present invention provides a fourth possible implementation manner of the first aspect, wherein the wire feeding driving member includes: a plurality of wire feeding wheels, a wheel shaft, and a second driving member;

[0016] The plurality of wire feeding wheels are arranged at intervals and are respectively connected to the wheel shaft, and the second driving member is in transmission connection with the wheel shaft;

[0017] The plurality of wire feeding wheels correspond to the plurality of wire feeding frames one by one, and the friction portion is configured as a tooth portion distributed along the circumferential direction of the wire feeding wheel.

[0018] Combined with the first aspect, the present invention provides a fifth possible implementation manner of the first aspect, wherein the plurality of wire feeding frames are all hinged to the base through a swing shaft.

[0019] Combined with the first aspect, the present invention provides a sixth possible implementation manner of the first aspect, wherein the multi-channel feeding device further includes a consumable detection device, the consumable detection device is installed on the wire feeding frame, and the consumable detection device is used for detecting the state of the consumable inside the wire feeding frame.

[0020] Combined with the sixth possible implementation manner of the first aspect, the present invention provides a seventh possible implementation manner of the first aspect, wherein the consumable detection device includes: a triggering member, an elastic element, and a detection sensor;

[0021] The detection sensor is installed on the wire feeding frame, the triggering member is movably connected to the wire feeding frame, and the triggering member is connected to the elastic element, and the elastic element has a tendency to disengage the triggering member from the detection sensor and abut against the consumable;

[0022] Under the condition that the consumable is conveyed through the wire feeding frame, the consumable pushes against the triggering member and triggers the detection sensor by the triggering member;

[0023] Under the condition that the consumable inside the wire feeding frame is exhausted, the elastic element drives the triggering member to disengage from the detection sensor.

[0024] In combination with the sixth possible implementation of the first aspect, the utility model provides an eighth possible implementation of the first aspect, wherein the consumable detection device further includes: a metal ball, a compression spring, a mileage wheel, a magnet, and a Hall sensor;

[0025] The metal ball and the mileage wheel are respectively installed on the wire feeding frame, and the consumables channel of the wire feeding frame is located between the metal ball and the mileage wheel;

[0026] The compression spring is installed between the metal ball and the wire feeding frame;

[0027] The magnet is installed on the mileage wheel, and the Hall sensor is installed within the magnetic field sensing range of the magnet.

[0028] In a second aspect, the 3D printer provided by the utility model includes a nozzle assembly having multiple wire feed ports, and the 3D printer is equipped with the multi-channel feeding device described in the first aspect, the multiple wire feed ports correspond one-to-one to the multiple consumable channels of the multi-channel feeding device, and the nozzle assembly is connected to the multi-channel feeding device through a consumable duct.

[0029] The embodiments of the utility model bring the following beneficial effects: a plurality of wire feeding racks are respectively movably connected to the base, a wire feeding drive is installed on the base, and the wire feeding drive has a plurality of friction parts corresponding to the plurality of wire feeding racks one by one, the plurality of wire feeding racks are respectively transmission-connected to the channel switching parts, and a wire feeding rack is engaged with a corresponding friction part, so that a variety of consumables can be supplied one by one, and the structure is compact.

[0030] In order to make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more obvious and easy to understand, preferred embodiments are given below and described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] In order to more clearly illustrate the specific implementation methods of the utility model or the technical solutions in the related technologies, the drawings required for use in the specific implementation methods or the related technical descriptions will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some implementation methods of the utility model. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying creative labor.

[0032] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a multi-channel feeding device provided in an embodiment of the utility model;

[0033] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a multi-channel feeding device provided by an embodiment of the utility model in a state where a wire feeding wheel and consumables are engaged;

[0034] Figure 3Cross-sectional view of the multi-channel feeding device provided by the embodiment of the present utility model in a state where the wire feeding wheel is separated from the consumable;

[0035] Figure 4 Cross-sectional view of the wire feeding frame, elastic element, mileage wheel and Hall sensor of the multi-channel feeding device provided by the embodiment of the present utility model;

[0036] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the wire feeding frame, swing shaft and elastic device of the multi-channel feeding device provided by the embodiment of the present utility model;

[0037] Figure 6 Cross-sectional view of the wire feeding frame and consumable detection device of the multi-channel feeding device provided by the embodiment of the present utility model;

[0038] Figure 7 Partial schematic diagram of the 3D printer provided by the embodiment of the present utility model.

[0039] Icons: 100 - base; 200 - wire feeding frame; 201 - consumable channel; 202 - groove part; 300 - wire feeding driving part; 301 - friction part; 310 - wire feeding wheel; 320 - wheel shaft; 330 - second driving part; 400 - channel switching part; 410 - elastic device; 411 - substrate; 412 - spring; 420 - camshaft; 421 - cam; 430 - first driving part; 500 - swing shaft; 600 - consumable detection device; 610 - trigger part; 620 - elastic element; 630 - detection sensor; 640 - metal ball; 650 - compression spring; 660 - mileage wheel; 670 - magnet; 680 - Hall sensor; 700 - nozzle assembly; 710 - wire inlet; 800 - consumable conduit. Specific embodiments

[0040] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are some but not all of the embodiments of the present utility model. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present utility model without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0041] In the description of the present utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center", "up", "down", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inside", "outside" and the like indicate positions or positional relationships based on the positions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present utility model and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the present utility model. In addition, the terms "first", "second", and "third" are only used to describe the difference in names, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance. The physical quantities in the formula, if not separately marked, should be understood as basic quantities of the basic units of the International System of Units, or derived quantities derived from the basic quantities through mathematical operations such as multiplication, division, differentiation or integration.

[0042] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installation", "connection" and "connection" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection, or it can be indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, or it can be the internal communication of two components. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0043] like Figure 1 As shown, the multi-channel feeding device provided by the embodiment of the utility model includes: a base 100, a wire feeding rack 200, a wire feeding drive 300 and a channel switching member 400; a plurality of wire feeding racks 200 are respectively movably connected to the base 100; the wire feeding drive 300 is installed on the base 100, and the wire feeding drive 300 has a plurality of friction parts 301 corresponding to the plurality of wire feeding racks 200 one by one; the plurality of wire feeding racks 200 are respectively transmission-connected to the channel switching member 400, and one of the wire feeding racks 200 is engaged with the corresponding friction part 301.

[0044] The wire feeding drive member 300 engages with the multiple wire feeding racks 200 one by one through the multiple friction parts 301, and can rub and drive the consumables inside the wire feeding racks 200 to realize supply and transportation. The channel switching member 400 drives one of the multiple wire feeding racks 200 to engage with the friction part 301, so that the multiple wire feeding racks 200 can be adjusted to supply and transport consumables one by one, which is not only compact in structure, but also easy to adjust, which is conducive to reducing the manufacturing cost of the equipment.

[0045] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, in the embodiment of the present utility model, the channel switching member 400 includes: an elastic device 410, a camshaft 420, and a first driving member 430; the elastic device 410 is connected to the base 100, and the elastic device 410 has a tendency to keep the wire feeding frame 200 in contact with the engaging friction portion 301; the camshaft 420 is in transmission connection with the first driving member 430, and the camshaft 420 has a plurality of cams 421 corresponding one-to-one to the plurality of wire feeding frames 200. The plurality of cams 421 are circumferentially misaligned and are displaced one by one relative to the plurality of wire feeding frames 200, so that the plurality of wire feeding frames 200 are brought into contact with the corresponding friction portions 301 one by one.

[0046] Under the elastic force of the elastic device 410, the plurality of wire feeding frames 200 all tend to contact the engaging friction portion 301; the portions of the plurality of cams 421 with smaller radial dimensions are circumferentially misaligned. When the displacement portion of one cam 421 rotates to the corresponding wire feeding frame 200, the wire feeding frame 200 contacts the corresponding friction portion 301, and the remaining cams 421 keep pushing against the wire feeding frame 200 and keeping the wire feeding frame 200 separated from the friction portion 301. In this way, only one wire feeding frame 200 contacts the friction portion 301 at any moment to realize the consumable material conveying.

[0047] As Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the elastic device 410 includes: a substrate 411 and a plurality of springs 412; the substrate 411 is connected to the base 100, the plurality of springs 412 are respectively connected to the substrate 411, and the plurality of springs 412 are connected to the plurality of wire feeding frames 200 one-to-one. The plurality of wire feeding frames 200 are driven by the plurality of springs 412 one-to-one to tend to contact the corresponding friction portions 301.

[0048] As Figure 1 and Figure 6 As shown, the wire feeding frame 200 has a groove portion 202 communicating with the consumable material channel 201; in the state where the friction portion 301 is in contact with the wire feeding frame 200, the friction portion 301 contacts the consumable material in the consumable material channel 201 through the groove portion 202.

[0049] Furthermore, the wire feeding driving member 300 includes: a plurality of wire feeding wheels 310, a wheel shaft 320, and a second driving member 330; the plurality of wire feeding wheels 310 are arranged at intervals and are respectively connected to the wheel shaft 320, the second driving member 330 is in transmission connection with the wheel shaft 320; the plurality of wire feeding wheels 310 correspond one-to-one to the plurality of wire feeding frames 200, and the friction portion 301 is configured as a tooth portion distributed along the circumferential direction of the wire feeding wheel 310.

[0050] Among them, the axis of the wheel axle 320 is perpendicular to the extending direction of the consumable material channel 201. In a state where the friction part 301 is engaged with the wire feeding frame 200, the tooth part of the wire feeding wheel 310 contacts the consumable material in the consumable material channel 201 through the groove part 202. By driving the wire feeding wheel 310 to rotate through the wheel axle 320, the filamentous consumable material can be frictionally driven and supplied along the consumable material channel 201. The second driving member 330 can rotate forward or backward to realize the function of feeding or retracting the consumable material.

[0051] In an alternative embodiment, a plurality of wire feeding frames 200 can be respectively slidably fitted to the base 100, and the channel switching member 400 is used to drive the plurality of wire feeding frames 200 to switch the station positions, so as to realize that the plurality of wire feeding frames 200 are sequentially engaged with the wire feeding driving member 300.

[0052] In this embodiment, a plurality of wire feeding frames 200 are all hinged to the base 100 through the swing rotation shafts 500, and the channel switching member 400 drives the plurality of wire feeding frames 200 to respectively move around the swing rotation shafts 500, so as to realize that the plurality of wire feeding frames 200 are sequentially engaged with the wire feeding driving member 300.

[0053] As Figure 2 、 Figure 3 、 Figure 4 and Figure 6 shown, the multi-channel feeding device further includes a consumable material detection device 600. The consumable material detection device 600 is installed on the wire feeding frame 200, and the consumable material detection device 600 is used to detect the state of the consumable material inside the wire feeding frame 200.

[0054] In an alternative embodiment, the consumable material detection device 600 can adopt devices such as a photoelectric sensor or an electromagnetic sensor to detect whether the consumable material inside the consumable material channel 201 is exhausted.

[0055] In this embodiment, the consumable material detection device 600 includes: a trigger member 610, an elastic element 620 and a detection sensor 630; the detection sensor 630 is installed on the circuit board of the wire feeding frame 200. In this embodiment, the detection sensor 630 can adopt a Hall sensor. The trigger member 610 is movably connected to the wire feeding frame 200, and the trigger member 610 is connected to the elastic element 620. The elastic element 620 has a tendency to disengage the trigger member 610 from the sensing area of the detection sensor 630 and abut against the consumable material; under the condition that the consumable material is conveyed through the wire feeding frame 200, the consumable material pushes against the trigger member 610 and triggers the detection sensor 630 by the trigger member 610; under the condition that the consumable material inside the wire feeding frame 200 is exhausted, the elastic element 620 drives the trigger member 610 to disengage from the sensing area of the detection sensor 630.

[0056] Among them, the trigger 610 adopts a swing arm structure, a magnet is arranged at the end of the trigger 610, and the elastic element 620 can be configured as a torsion spring and is used to drive the trigger 610 to abut against the consumable inside the consumable channel 201. When the consumable inside the consumable channel 201 is being transported normally, the consumable blocks the trigger 610 and makes the magnet of the trigger 610 within the sensing area of the detection sensor 630; when the consumable inside the wire feeding frame 200 is exhausted, in the absence of the blockage of the consumable, the trigger 610 is driven by the elastic element 620, and the magnet of the trigger 610 moves out of the sensing area of the detection sensor 630. Thus, it is possible to know whether there is a consumable inside the consumable channel 201 according to the potential signal of the detection sensor 630.

[0057] Furthermore, the consumable detection device 600 includes: a metal ball 640, a compression spring 650, a travel wheel 660, a magnet 670, and a Hall sensor 680; the metal ball 640 and the travel wheel 660 are respectively installed on the wire feeding frame 200, and the consumable channel 201 of the wire feeding frame 200 is located between the metal ball 640 and the travel wheel 660; the compression spring 650 is installed between the metal ball 640 and the wire feeding frame 200; the magnet 670 is installed on the travel wheel 660, and the Hall sensor 680 is installed within the magnetic field sensing range of the magnet 670.

[0058] Among them, a single or multiple magnets 670 can be installed on the travel wheel 660, and the multiple magnets 670 can be arranged at intervals along the circumference of the travel wheel 660. When the consumable is transported along the consumable channel 201, the consumable separates the metal ball 640 from the travel wheel 660, and the travel wheel 660 will rotate along with the movement of the consumable. The two magnets 670 installed on the travel wheel 660 will also move together, and the Hall sensor 680 can detect the signal of the periodic change of the magnetic field; when the consumable channel 201 is blocked or the consumable is broken, the travel wheel 660 will no longer rotate, and the Hall sensor 680 cannot detect the signal of the periodic change of the magnetic field, triggering the host computer of the 3D printer to alarm, indicating that there is a nozzle blockage or a material breakage, and pausing the printing.

[0059] As Figure 7 shown, the 3D printer provided by the embodiment of the present invention is equipped with the multi-channel feeding device described in the above embodiment and a nozzle assembly 700 provided with a plurality of wire inlet ports 710 and one outlet port. This 3D printer has the technical effects of the above multi-channel feeding device, which will not be elaborated here. The multiple wire inlet ports 710 of the nozzle assembly 700 correspond one-to-one with the multiple consumable channels 201 of the multi-channel feeding device, and the nozzle assembly 700 and the multi-channel feeding device are connected through a consumable conduit 800. When the second driving member 330 rotates forward, a certain consumable from the multi-channel feeding device enters the nozzle assembly. When the second driving member 330 rotates reversely, the consumable inside the nozzle assembly 700 returns to the multi-channel feeding device.

[0060] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, rather than to limit it; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or perform equivalent replacements on some or all of the technical features; and these modifications or replacements do not make the essence of the corresponding technical solutions deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A multi-channel feeding device, characterized in that, Comprising: A base (100), a wire feeding rack (200), a wire feeding driving member (300), and a channel switching member (400); A plurality of the wire feeding racks (200) are respectively movably connected to the base (100); The wire feeding driving member (300) is installed on the base (100), and the wire feeding driving member (300) has a plurality of friction portions (301) corresponding one-to-one to the plurality of wire feeding racks (200); The plurality of wire feeding racks (200) are respectively in transmission connection with the channel switching member (400), and enable one of the wire feeding racks (200) to engage with the corresponding friction portion (301).

2. The multi-channel feeding device according to claim 1, characterized in that The channel switching member (400) includes: an elastic device (410), a camshaft (420), and a first driving member (430); The elastic device (410) is connected to the base (100), and the elastic device (410) has a tendency to keep the wire feeding rack (200) engaged with the friction portion (301); The camshaft (420) is in transmission connection with the first driving member (430), and the camshaft (420) has a plurality of cams (421) corresponding one-to-one to the plurality of wire feeding racks (200). The plurality of cams (421) are circumferentially offset and respectively yield to the plurality of wire feeding racks (200) one by one, so that the plurality of wire feeding racks (200) are respectively engaged with the corresponding friction portions (301) one by one.

3. The multi-channel feeding device according to claim 2, wherein The elastic device (410) includes: a substrate (411) and a plurality of springs (412); The substrate (411) is connected to the base (100), the plurality of springs (412) are respectively connected to the substrate (411), and the plurality of springs (412) are connected to the plurality of wire feeding racks (200) one-to-one.

4. The multi-channel feeding device according to claim 1, characterized in that The wire feeding rack (200) has a groove portion (202) communicating with a consumable material channel (201); In a state where the friction portion (301) is engaged with the wire feeding rack (200), the friction portion (301) contacts the consumable material in the consumable material channel (201) through the groove portion (202).

5. The multi-channel feeding device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The wire feeding driving member (300) includes: a plurality of wire feeding wheels (310), a wheel shaft (320), and a second driving member (330); The plurality of wire feeding wheels (310) are arranged at intervals and are respectively connected to the wheel shaft (320), and the second driving member (330) is in transmission connection with the wheel shaft (320); The plurality of wire feeding wheels (310) correspond one-to-one to the plurality of wire feeding racks (200), and the friction portion (301) is configured as a tooth portion distributed along the circumferential direction of the wire feeding wheel (310).

6. The multi-channel feeding device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of wire feeding racks (200) are all hinged to the base (100) through a swing rotation shaft (500).

7. The multi-channel feeding device according to claim 1, characterized in that The multi-channel feeding device further includes a consumable material detection device (600). The consumable material detection device (600) is installed on the wire feeding rack (200), and the consumable material detection device (600) is used for detecting the state of the consumable material inside the wire feeding rack (200).

8. The multi-channel feeding device according to claim 7, wherein, The consumable detection device (600) includes: a trigger member (610), an elastic member (620), and a detection sensor (630); The detection sensor (630) is installed on the wire feeding frame (200), the trigger member (610) is movably connected to the wire feeding frame (200), and the trigger member (610) is connected to the elastic member (620). The elastic member (620) has a tendency to disengage the trigger member (610) from the detection sensor (630) and abut against the consumable; Under the condition that the consumable is conveyed by the wire feeding frame (200), the consumable pushes against the trigger member (610) and causes the trigger member (610) to trigger the detection sensor (630); Under the condition that the consumable is exhausted inside the wire feeding frame (200), the elastic member (620) drives the trigger member (610) to disengage from the detection sensor (630).

9. The multi-channel feeding device according to claim 7, wherein, The consumable detection device (600) further includes: a metal ball (640), a compression spring (650), a mileage wheel (660), a magnet (670), and a Hall sensor (680); The metal ball (640) and the mileage wheel (660) are respectively installed on the wire feeding frame (200), and the consumable channel (201) of the wire feeding frame (200) is located between the metal ball (640) and the mileage wheel (660); The compression spring (650) is installed between the metal ball (640) and the wire feeding frame (200); The magnet (670) is installed on the mileage wheel (660), and the Hall sensor (680) is installed within the magnetic field induction range of the magnet (670).

10. A 3D printer, comprising a nozzle assembly (700) having a plurality of wire inlets (710), characterized in that, The 3D printer is equipped with the multi-channel feeding device according to any one of claims 1-9. The plurality of wire inlet ports (710) correspond to the plurality of consumable channels (201) of the multi-channel feeding device one by one, and the nozzle assembly (700) is connected to the multi-channel feeding device through a consumable conduit (800).

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